A Reflection

Beside that track in jungle green
(Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.),
Sweat-soaked, dirty, thus unseen
(Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.);
These young men who crouch so still
Are poised to pounce, to make their kill,
In doing so they’ll do your will; just
Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.

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Platoon or Company, Section strong
(Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.),
Led by those who can’t do wrong
(Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.);
Trained by the same consummate skill,
Focused thus to do your will,
But – yours to pay is the butchers’ bill; if you
Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.

—————

And when they stop too old to serve
(Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.),
Ensure they get what they deserve
(Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.);
For at that time they must not find
That you and yours have changed your mind.
So, if you’ll then feel less than kind, don’t
Bare the bayonet, beat the drum.

 

By Michael Shave

 

FILE PHOTO: Trooper Jakob West from Rifle Company Butterworth Rotation 137 fights through the final objective, covering arduous terrain through dense jungle. Photo by Bombardier Guy Sadler.

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